How to make money with a metal detector

Written by m.c. postins

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As a hobby, the use of metal detectors has grown in the United States. People are using metal detectors on a regular basis to find coins, jewellery and other valuable items on public beaches, in public parks and more. But finding these valuables has competition, and learning to clean and sell the treasures you find is as important as the search.

Skill level:

Moderately Easy

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Things you need

Metal detector

Container for your loot

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Instructions

How to make money with a metal detector

1

Purchase a metal detector Gometaldetecting.com recommends that before purchasing a detector, hobbyists should determine what they're looking for. Are they looking for loose change in the sand? Are they looking for rings in shallow water? Knowing the purpose makes buying a metal detector much easier. Gometaldetecting.com also recommends buying a detector from a vendor with an established reputation.

2

Have a strategy There are certain areas that gometaldetecting.com recommends for metal detecting, including the beach, bus stops, public areas and even the water. Beginners should not be deterred early on, as 60 to 80 per cent of what is found is usually trash. The beach is a great place to learn how to read the signals on a metal detector, as some signals can indicate certain objects.

3

Join a club Gometaldetecting.com recommends that beginners join a metal detecting or treasure hunting club. The clubs provide a great opportunity for new hobbyists to learn tricks of the trade from more experienced hobbyists. One can even find a partner or a group to engage with.

4

Cleaning finds There are several ways to clean your finds, according to gometaldetecting.com. Hobbyists can use baking soda, rock tumblers, white vinegar, electrolysis, ammonia, metal polish and jewellery cleaners. Gometaldetecting.com cautions that hobbyists who suspect they've found an old coin not clean it, as cleaning the coin could hurt the coin's value.

5

Making money Depending on what is found, hobbyists can make money off their finds. Gold and silver coins can be taken to a coin shop to be appraised or sold. Rings and jewellery can be taken to a pawn shop for sale. Some hobbyists put their finds up on eBay. Others even sell their found gold or silver for the value of the metal. Gometaldetecting.com recommends that a hobbyist know the value of their find before pursuing a sale.

Tips and warnings

Overhunted areas should be searched after a heavy rain. The wet ground has more connectivity, which allows the metal detector to find deeper items.

Know the rules in your area. Some states, such as Connecticut, have laws and permit notices for the use of metal detectors. And always stay away from private property.